Psychological Effects

"MDMA has been hypothesized to represent a new class of psychoactive agents, called entactogens, producing feelings of closeness to others and empathy, well-being and insightfulness, with little perceived loss of control or hallucinatory effect."(Nichols et al. 1986)

The psychological effects of MDMA vary greatly and are affected by dosage, purity, other substances, setting, and mind-set. One person may take an effect as positive while another person may take the same effect as negative.

MDMA produces modest sensory and perceptual changes, primarily intensifications of colors and tangible awareness and changes in the quality of sound. MDMA is a "mood elevator" that produces a relaxed, euphoric state. It takes effect about 20 to 40 minutes after ingesting, peaks at about 60 to 90 minutes, and diminishes after about 3 to 5 hours. (dancesafe.org) MDMA is known to increase the feeling of empathy, satisfaction, and self-acceptance.
MDMA can cause alterations in the perception of meanings, accompanied by modest thought disturbances such as accelerated thinking, thought blocking, and impaired decision making. (Baggott et al. 2001)